Civic/Municipal: Member of the board of health since 2001, serving as chairman; member of the conservation commission for over 17 years, 15 years as chairman

I have a strong background in permitting and environmental issues. I have an excellent working relationship with all town boards, DEP and DCR with which the board of health interacts.

During the past six years I have enabled the BOH to successfully manage and close out the low-interest rate Community Septic System repair program. I instituted our Mercury Recovery Policy Program and personally maintain the collection site. I also initiated and established scientifically based well regulations now in effect.

I am currently researching the costs and benefits of going to a single-hauler system for waste and recycling. Cost to town residents will be greatly reduced. However, the cost to the town may increase in implementation. This is my goal for the next fiscal year: to develop a cost-effective waste and strict recycling system.

I have given the board of health an element of expertise and professionalism through my experience, knowledge, education, continuing education courses offered through Mass. Assoc. of Health Boards, MACC, my common sense, honesty and fairness. My goal is to continue providing the town of Rutland with the best source for public health and safe housing information, streamlined permitting and affordable waste and recycling resources.

I appreciate your consideration and would appreciate your vote on May 14.

Nancy Nichols

Address: 5 Lizzy Lane, Rutland

Personal: Married to Lyndon Nichols; two young sons. Currently a stay-at-home mother and volunteer.

Education: BS in business administration/ finance

Civic: Co-chair of the Naquag PTO

The board of health has an inherent obligation to protect the public health. I feel that the Rutland board needs to focus on making recommendations for better health standards in our community. These standards would control things like unsafe drinking water, poor air quality, pest infestation, contaminated food areas and other potentially harmful situations. These recommendations would then be implemented and formally adopted in order to ensure public safety. An example would be mandating the use of a certified laboratory when testing private drinking water in new construction. Public water systems are already regulated by the state. The board of health has to oversee and enforce the public drinking water regulations.

The first step in achieving these goals is to become certified by the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards. I feel that the board needs to be certified in order to obtain the necessary skills to adequately perform its duties and fulfill its responsibilities. Certification training is free and offered several times a year in easily accessible locations.

I feel that the board needs to be available to the community. It should work as an autonomous entity in order to achieve the best possible outcome. The board is voluntary, but the hired health agent and the many available outside resources should enable it to efficiently and effectively maintain the public's best interest. It should do so in a reasonable and timely manner. Most importantly, it should be unbiased and lawful.

If the board of health focuses on prioritizing the health and welfare of the community as a whole, it will not be subject to the bullying tactics of a select few. In conclusion, an unbiased, completely autonomous board should perform its responsibilities with no interference of conflicting interests.